Super Raelene Bros’ Revolution Day has come

In a sweltering 40 degree January the unique acoustic dance hall duo Super Raelene Bros (aka Basil and Derek Schild) laid down their first full-length album – 10 tracks – in the Redhouse rammed-earth studio in Old Eastside, Alice Springs. Now it’s ready for launching, at Monte’s Lounge on July 19. The night will include special guests performances from some of Alice Springs best musicians including Leon Spurling, NoKTuRNL, Darcy Davis, and interpretive dance from Franca Barraclough.

LIAM CAMPBELL has been listening:

Revolution Day is a celebration of small town desert life and places familiar to anyone who’s spent time in Central Australia.

The stand out song is without a doubt the anthemic and uplifting title track, ’Revolution Day’. Its purposeful, marching beat and evocative lyrics capture the essence of this album. At times these songs remind me of acoustic British punk band The Alarm or early Fleetwood Mac. There’s also a haunting and memorable acoustic version of ACDC’s ‘You shook me all night long’.

A lot of care and attention to detail has gone into the recording of this album, yet it is sparing in its extra instrumentation – a little bit of bass and some overdubbed vocals. But it’s mostly just acoustic guitar, fiddle, tambourine and a kick drum. Fans of their live shows won’t be disappointed.

Although lyricist Basil has this whole nouveau desert preacher man thing going on, these songs don’t feel like someone is preaching at you. This whole album is a celebration, delivered with passion and without any minor chords. The songs resonate with life in the desert and the album makes a great soundtrack for a long drive down a dusty highway.

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